While every car featured on Barn Finds is special, some are extraordinary. It could be the rarity, condition, price, or a combination of factors that help those classics stand out from the crowd. This 1988 Cadillac Seville STS falls into that category for one simple reason. It is a one-owner survivor with a documented 2,216 miles showing on its odometer. Unsurprisingly, it is in as-new condition and is ideal for someone seeking luxurious motoring perfection. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Seville listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller set their auction to open at $15,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
Cadillac introduced its Third Generation Seville range in 1986. Downsizing was the order of the day, with the company’s latest offering shorter, narrower, and considerably lighter than its predecessor. This 1988 Seville is the STS variant, a new addition for this model year. The STS package brought upgraded suspension, steering, and wheels for a more satisfying driving experience. Although such traits were not considered part of Cadillac’s DNA, 1,499 buyers handed over the extra cash to own one. This Seville is a one-owner classic finished in Black Sapphire Metallic. Faulting its presentation is seemingly impossible, unsurprising given its history. The lack of paint deterioration suggests the car hasn’t spent extended time exposed to harsh UV rays. The panels are straight, and rust isn’t a problem. The glass is clear, the trim is spotless, and the wheels are free from stains and damage. This Caddy retains its original tires and, due to their age, the seller is willing to swap them if the winning bidder feels it is necessary.
The 1988 Seville was V8-only territory. The Sales Brochure confirms that this car’s 4.5-liter V8 sends 155hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, power steering is standard equipment, as is anti-lock for the four-wheel disc brakes. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 2,216 miles on the clock, which isn’t an idle boast. The owner retained fuel receipts since Day One, providing iron-clad proof that the mileage is correct. The winning bidder receives every piece of documentation for this classic from the day it rolled off the lot, and while not expressly stated, it appears this Caddy is a turnkey proposition.
Examining the interior of a Seville reveals why these cars were so expensive when new. The list of features includes leather trim, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, 12-way power front seats, power mirrors, power release and closing for the trunk lid, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a digital Driver Information System, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. Cadillac had pulled all the toys from the cupboard, and life aboard a Seville was undeniably comfortable. This classic’s interior presents as beautifully as you would rightly expect from any vehicle with a four-digit odometer reading. There is no wear, crumbling plastic, or other problems. If you parked this car on a showroom floor, it wouldn’t look out of place.
This 1988 Cadillac Seville STS would have cost its owner around $27,600 when they drove it off the showroom floor. That figure sounds reasonable, but adjusted for inflation, it equates to approximately $75,100 today. That means that it wasn’t cheap, with the price placing it beyond the means of most potential customers. The seller’s opening bid figure remains above the market average, but this car is anything but average. If you longed for a Seville STS in ’88 but couldn’t stretch the budget that far, perhaps this is your chance to right that wrong. After all, this car is as showroom-fresh as you will likely find.
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